Education Mental Health Practitioner

About the Role

Want to be a part of a team that is on the frontline of Children’s and Young People’s mental health? If you do then this is an exciting and rewarding role where no two days feel the same. As an Education Mental Health Practitioner, you will work directly with children and young people in schools, helping them to understand their emotions, build resilience and feel more in control of their lives.

You will deliver evidence based support for pupils with mild to moderate mental health needs, using your skills to make a real and lasting impact. Whether you are supporting someone through anxiety, low mood or life’s everyday pressures, your work will help them feel safer, stronger and more connected.

But this role is about more than one-to-one work. You will also be a key part of each school’s wider wellbeing culture. That means advising teachers, supporting families and helping embed a whole school approach to emotional health. You will share your knowledge, build relationships and play a vital role in making mental health support more visible and more effective.

You will be part of a committed, friendly and values driven team. You will receive high quality supervision, ongoing training and space to grow your practice. If you are looking for a role that is hands on, meaningful and full of purpose, this is it.

You care about helping young people feel heard, understood and supported. You are calm under pressure, clear in your communication and confident working in busy school environments. Above all, you are someone who brings compassion, curiosity and consistency to the work you do.

You will need:

• A recognised qualification as an Education Mental Health Practitioner
• Experience delivering therapeutic interventions such as CBT or solution focused work
• Knowledge of safeguarding and capacity frameworks, including Gillick competence
• Experience working with children or young people, ideally in an education or health setting
• Confidence managing risk and maintaining clear records
• Strong communication skills, especially when working with families, schools and professionals
• The ability to travel between school sites, with access to a vehicle or suitable alternative

You might also bring experience working with vulnerable groups such as children in care or those facing emotional and behavioural challenges. You may have delivered group interventions or supported staff learning in schools. But what matters most is your values, your mindset and your commitment to doing the right thing.

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives. All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!

Closing Date: 12.08.2026